Choosing the best drawing laptops is crucial for artists and creatives who want to unleash their digital drawing potential. The portability, versatility, and power of today’s laptops have made them excellent tools for drawing, painting, sketching and other artistic pursuits.
But not all laptops are created equal when it comes to digital art. Finding the right one that fits both your creative needs and budget can be a challenge.
This comprehensive guide will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting a best drawing laptop and provide detailed reviews of the top 15 best Drawing Laptops optimized for digital art and graphics work. Whether you are a hobbyist learning digital art or a professional digital artist, This list has something for everyone.
Read on to learn which best drawing laptops can take your artistic potential to the next level. With the right mobile studio, you can turn any place into your creative space.
Table of Contents
Top Recommendations:
Apple MacBook Air
– The best overall drawing laptop for its combination of performance, display, and portability.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
– Excellent for artists seeking a high-quality 2-in-1 device with stylus support.
Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13
– Purpose-built for pros who want the best integrated pen experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Best Drawing Laptops
To make the most of digital drawing software and tools, your laptop needs the right combination of display quality, processing power and stylus support. To help you find a best drawing laptops that truly elevates your creative work, here are the key factors to focus on:
- Display Quality: The display is arguably the most important consideration for digital artists. Without a vibrant, color-accurate screen, you won’t be able to see your masterpieces come to life. So look for a sharp, color-accurate display with at least Full HD (1920 x 1080p) resolution. Higher resolutions like 2K or 4K are better. OLED and touchscreens offer superior quality.
- Performance: Drawing apps and art software demand plenty of speed and muscle. Weak specs lead to lag and crashes. A powerful processor (Intel Core i5/i7 or equivalent) with dedicated graphics( NVIDIA GeForce RTX or GTX) enables smooth workflows. 16GB RAM at a minimum. Ideal is 32GB or more to work with large art files.
- Storage: SSD storage is required for fast access to large art files. 512GB is good, while 1TB or more is ideal.
- Stylus Support: Get a laptop with active pen/stylus support for pressure sensitivity and a natural drawing experience.
- Size and Portability: Desirable laptop sizes for artists range from 13 to 16 inches. Larger screens are great but less portable. Consider your needs.
- Operating System: Windows, Mac and Chromebooks all have options. Check software compatibility before choosing.
- Battery Life: Look for at least 8 hours of battery life for uninterrupted creative work on-the-go.
- Ports: Look for HDMI, USB 3.0, SD card readers, and Thunderbolt 3 ports for versatility.
By carefully evaluating these key factors, you’ll be able to find the perfect best drawing laptops to liberate your artistic abilities.
The Top 15 Best Drawing Laptops for Artists and Creatives.
You’ve determined the key factors to look for in a great digital art laptop. Now let’s explore some of the top-rated options that deliver an exceptional creative experience.
1. Apple MacBook Air
Specifications:
- 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina display
- Apple M2 chip
- 8GB unified memory
- 256GB SSD storage
The MacBook Air M2 stands out with its stellar combination of performance, portability and display quality. Its 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display provides an immersive 2560 x 1600 resolution viewing experience with True Tone technology for color accuracy. The Apple M2 chip delivers blazing fast performance for creative workflows. The lightweight, premium design offers excellent portability. For digital artists who want the best overall package, the MacBook Air is hard to beat.
Pros: Excellent performance, battery life, and portability. Vibrant, high-res color accurate display.
Cons: No touchscreen or stylus support. Expensive.
Price: $899
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Specifications:
- 13″ 2880 x 1920 PixelSense Flow touch display
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor
- Up to 32GB LPDDR4x RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 brings together portability, performance and premium build quality. Its 13-inch 120Hz PixelSense Flow display ensures a smooth, fluid artistic experience. The 2-in-1 design enables versatile use as both a tablet and laptop. It runs Windows 11 flawlessly and supports advanced creative tools. For artists seeking flexibility, the Surface Pro 8 is an outstanding choice.
Pros: Vibrant high-res display, great stylus support, premium build. Powerful and flexible 2-in-1 design.
Cons: Expensive, battery life could be better.
Price: $899
3. HP Pavilion x360 14
Specifications:
- 14″ Full HD IPS touchscreen
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB SSD storage
The HP Pavilion x360 14 offers a great balance of functionality, performance and affordability. Its 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display provides an immersive canvas for creative work. The convertible 2-in-1 design enables both laptop and tablet modes. Smooth performance from the 11th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU and integrated graphics makes it suitable for most art/graphics software. For budget-minded artists, the HP Pavilion x360 is a compelling choice.
Pros: Affordable price. Smooth performance. Good touchscreen for art.
Cons: Mediocre battery life. Average build quality.
Price: $599
4. Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13
Specifications:
- 13.3″ Wacom Cintiq display
- Intel Core i7 processor
- Intel Iris Plus graphics
- ExpressKey remote
- Battery-free EMR stylus
Purpose-built for professional digital artists, the Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13 delivers desktop-class creative capabilities in a portable digital canvas. It combines Wacom’s stellar pen technology with a rich 13.3″ display for professional workflows. The included ExpressKey remote provides quick access to shortcuts. With robust specifications like Intel Core i7 CPU, Intel Iris Plus graphics and ample connectivity, it’s a complete package for pro artists.
Pros: Best-in-class pen experience. Robust specs and connectivity. Purpose-built for pros.
Cons: Expensive. Lower portability than 2-in-1s.
Price: $1,599
5. Lenovo Yoga 7i
Specifications:
- 16″ 2560 x 1600 touch display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
The Lenovo Yoga 7i delivers top-notch creative capabilities in an elegant 2-in-1 convertible design. Its 16-inch QHD+ touchscreen provides an expansive canvas for digital art. With a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, it has ample power for demanding graphics workloads. The bundled active pen enables precise pressure-sensitive input. For artists who seek portability and versatility, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is a compelling option.
Pros: Large 16-inch QHD+ touchscreen. Great performance. Good portability.
Cons: Expensive. Fans can get noisy.
Price: $849
6. MSI Leopard Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
- 17.3″ 144Hz Full HD IPS display
- Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB RAM
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
- 1TB NVMe SSD
While designed for gaming, the MSI Leopard’s powerful specs also make it great for graphics workloads. Its 17.3-inch 144Hz Full HD IPS display provides vivid visuals and fluid responsiveness. With Intel Core i7 CPU, RTX 3060 GPU, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, it breezes through demanding art software. The lightweight build offers decent portability despite the large screen. Overall an excellent value pick for artists seeking top-tier performance.
Pros: Vivid 17.3-inch display. Great performance for graphics. Good value.
Cons: Bulky design. Short battery life. No touchscreen.
Price: $1,599
7. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
Specifications:
- 16″ 3072 x 1920 XDR display
- Apple M1 Pro/Max chip
- 16GB/32GB unified memory
- Up to 8TB SSD storage
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch offers blazing performance thanks to Apple’s cutting-edge in-house M1 Pro/Max silicon. Its stunning 16-inch XDR display provides lifelike visuals with P3 wide color, 1600 nits peak brightness and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. The premium unibody design is both elegant and durable. For professional digital artists who demand uncompromising power and visual fidelity, the MacBook Pro 16-inch is the gold standard.
Pros: Cutting-edge Apple silicon delivers blazing performance. Stunning 16-inch XDR display. Sleek, durable design.
Cons: Very expensive. Limited ports. No touchscreen or stylus support.
Price: $2,499
8. HP Spectre x360
Specifications:
- 13.3″ 1920 x 1280 IPS touchscreen
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB LPDDR4 RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
In a super portable package, the HP Spectre x360 delivers solid creative capabilities. The 13.3-inch Full HD touch display provides a great on-the-go digital canvas. With 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, it offers smooth performance for art/graphics work. The convertible design enables versatile tablet-style use with the included HP pen. For artists seeking mobility without compromising power, the Spectre x360 is a great fit.
Pros: Compact and portable 2-in-1 design. Solid performance and build quality. Good stylus support.
Cons: Smaller screen than some options. Fans can get noisy when stressed.
Price: $1,149
9. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Specifications:
- 14.4″ 2400 x 1600 PixelSense touchscreen
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor
- 32GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
Microsoft’s unique take on the 2-in-1 form factor, the Surface Laptop Studio offers exceptional creative capabilities. Its unique hinge enables multiple working modes, including a tablet mode for direct pen input. The high-res 14.4-inch touch display provides an immersive drawing surface. With 11th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD, it delivers desktop-class performance in a portable form factor suited for graphics professionals.
Pros: Unique versatile hinged design. Desktop-caliber performance. Vibrant 14.4-inch touchscreen.
Cons: Expensive. Few ports. Mediocre battery life.
Price: $1,599
10. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Specifications:
- 13″ 2880 x 1920 touchscreen display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Removable SSD storage
Microsoft’s flagship 2-in-1 device, the Surface Pro 9 packs serious creative capabilities in a thin and light tablet design. It provides a vibrant 13-inch 2880 x 1920 touchscreen for pen-based drawing. With up to 32GB RAM and 12th Gen Intel Core i7 performance, it handles graphics work with ease. The kickstand and Type Cover make it versatile for work on-the-go. For artists who seek a powerful yet portable digital sketchpad, the Surface Pro 9 excels.
Pros: Vibrant high-res display. Potent performance packed in thin tablet design. Great stylus integration.
Cons: Type Cover sold separately. Battery life could be better. Lacks ports.
Price: $999
11. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
Specifications:
- 10.1″ 1920 x 1200 touchscreen
- MediaTek Helio P60T processor
- 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 64GB eMMC storage
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook provides an impressively capable digital drawing experience on a budget. Its 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen is great for creative work on-the-go. The detachable keyboard doubles up as a protective case. With its lightweight build, long battery life and Android app support, it’s a compelling ultra-portable sketchbook for budget-minded artists.
Pros: Ultra affordable price. Surprisingly decent digital drawing experience. Long battery life.
Cons: Low-power ARM processor. Small screen size. ChromeOS limitations.
Price: $279
12. Asus ZenBook Pro 14 Duo
Specifications:
- 14” FHD OLED touchscreen display
- 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
With its unique dual-screen design, the Asus ZenBook Pro 14 Duo enables dual-display creative workflows on-the-go. The main 14-inch FHD OLED touchscreen provides vivid visuals. The secondary ScreenPad Plus touchscreen increases multitasking flexibility. With 12th Gen Core i9 CPU, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, it delivers desktop-class power in a portable package suited for professional digital artists.
Pros: Unique dual-screen design improves multitasking. Potent performance. Vibrant OLED main display.
Cons: Expensive. Dual-screen design may seem gimmicky to some.
Price: $1,549
13. Apple MacBook Air
Specifications:
- 13.6″ 2560 x 1664 IPS display
- Apple M2 chip
- 8GB unified memory
- 256GB SSD storage
With its new M2 chip, the Apple MacBook Air delivers excellent performance and battery life in a thin and light design. The 13.6-inch Retina display provides sharp visuals ideal for digital art. With Apple’s optimized software integration, it’s a seamless creative tool for artists invested in the Apple ecosystem. For maximum portability without compromising power, the MacBook Air is a compelling choice.
Pros: Class-leading battery life. Excellent performance from M2 chip. Lightweight and ultraportable. Sharp, high-res display.
Cons: No touchscreen or stylus support. Limited I/O ports.
Price: $999
14. Dell XPS 17
Specifications:
- 17″ 3840 x 2400 touchscreen
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 processor
- 16GB/32GB RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU
With its large 17-inch 4K touchscreen display, the Dell XPS 17 provides an expansive digital canvas for creativity on-the-go. It packs serious power with 12th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 CPUs, GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, 16GB/32GB RAM and huge 1TB SSD storage. The premium build quality is both sleek and durable. For artists who demand top-tier performance and maximum display real estate, the Dell XPS 17 delivers.
Pros: Massive 17-inch 4K touchscreen. Blazing performance. Perfect for graphics professionals. Premium design.
Cons: Heavy and bulky. Very expensive. Gets hot when stressed.
Price: $2,099
15. Acer Spin 5
Specifications:
- 13.5″ 2256 x 1504 IPS touchscreen
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- 16GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
In an ultraportable 2-in-1 form factor, the Acer Spin 5 packs a solid feature set for digital art. Its 13.5-inch 2K touch display provides sharp visuals and accurate colors. With a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it delivers smooth creative performance. The bundled Acer Active Stylus enables natural pen-based drawing. For artists on the go, the Acer Spin 5 is a compelling choice.
Pros: Compact and portable 2-in-1 design. Provides good creative performance for the price. Responsive stylus included.
Cons: Smaller screen than some options. Mediocre battery life when stressed.
Price: $799
Laptops for Professional Digital Artists
For professional digital artists who use graphics-heavy software and work with large multi-layered files, certain high-performance laptops stand out. The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13 provides an unmatched pen-based creative experience.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch offers desktop-class performance thanks to the cutting-edge Apple M1 Pro/Max chip. It shines with its stunning 16-inch XDR display.
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Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio provides premium build quality and versatility via its unique hinged design, making it ideal for professionals. The Dell XPS 17 packs incredible power with 12th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 CPUs and RTX 3060 graphics in a large 17-inch 4K touchscreen chassis suited for graphics pros.
Budget-Friendly Drawing Laptops
For artists on a budget, choosing a best drawing laptops with decent specs without breaking the bank can be tricky. Some affordable yet capable options include:
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook delivers surprisingly good creative capabilities in a lightweight detachable 2-in-1 design for an ultra-low price.
The HP Pavilion x360 14 provides a nice 14-inch touchscreen digital canvas and smooth performance thanks to 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor at an attractive price point.
The Acer Spin 5 packs professional-grade specs like 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and 16GB RAM into a lightweight 13.5-inch 2-in-1 chassis while keeping costs low.
2-in-1 Convertible Laptops for Artists
2-in-1 convertible laptops provide maximum flexibility to artists by transforming between laptop clamshell and tablet modes. Some stellar 2-in-1 options include:
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 delivers serious creative capabilities with its vibrant 13-inch PixelSense Flow display and supports precise pen input via the Surface Pen.
With its unique dual-hinge design, the Asus ZenBook Pro 14 Duo enables expansive dual-display input. The Lenovo Yoga 7i provides a premium 16-inch QHD+ touchscreen canvas in a convertible design.
The HP Spectre x360 packs professional-grade components in a highly portable 13.3-inch convertible chassis. The Acer Spin 5 also brings powerful specs in a budget-friendly 13.5-inch rotating 2-in-1 model.
Best Drawing Laptops for Different Operating Systems
Windows Drawing Laptops
Many high-performing best drawing laptops run on Windows operating systems. This provides broader software compatibility, especially with full-fledged creative suites like Adobe CC. Some stellar Windows options include the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, Asus ZenBook Pro 14 Duo, Dell XPS 17 and MSI Leopard.
macOS Drawing Laptops
For artists invested in the Apple ecosystem, best drawing laptops for macOS lovers like the Apple MacBook Air and Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch offer seamless integration with apps like Procreate and Affinity Designer. Their high-res displays provide stellar visual fidelity.
ChromeOS Drawing Laptops
ChromeOS options like the Lenovo Ideapad Duet Chromebook offer good drawing capabilities through Android app support. Their lightweight and affordable designs make them great on-the-go digital sketchbooks. However, they lag behind Windows/macOS in supporting full professional creative suites.
User Reviews and Testimonials
Many artists who bought these laptops have shared positive experiences highlighting their drawing capabilities:
Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13: “The state of the art touch screen provides an unparalleled drawing experience. Never using a mouse again!”
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio: “Drawing directly on the screen in tablet mode with Surface Slim Pen 2 is a dream. This laptop has become my mobile studio.”
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook: “I wasn’t expecting much at this price point but it’s quite responsive when drawing with the stylus. Very portable and flexible.”
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch: “The ProMotion XDR display is incredible. Perfect for digital painting and color-sensitive graphics work. Powerful performance too.”
Acer Spin 5: “Good value 2-in-1 that lets me draw on-the-go. Handy stylus garage to store the pen. Impressive specs for price.”
Essential Drawing Accessories to Enhance Your Art Laptop Experience
You’ve chosen a laptop equipped with a vibrant display, powerful specs, and intuitive inputs to bring your artistic visions to life. But the right accessories can take your digital drawing experience to the next level.
Here are some accessories to consider pairing with your shiny new art laptop:
Graphics Drawing Tablets
Connecting an external graphics tablet allows for more flexibility and control when drawing. Popular choices like Wacom Intuos and Huion Kamvas tablets connect via USB and offer tons of workspace area, programmable shortcuts, and pressure-sensitive pens.
Key features to look for:
- Generous active area size
- Battery-free pen with 4000+ pressure levels
- Customizable buttons/shortcuts
- Paper-like textures surfaces
They provide excellent precision and a natural feel without sacrificing portability. Prices range from $80 to $400+.
Drawing Apps and Software
Take full advantage of your laptop’s capabilities with optimized drawing programs like:
- Adobe Photoshop – The industry standard for digital painting. Offers advanced brushes, blending modes, and more.
- Clip Studio Paint – Excellent for comic and manga art. Full-featured with perspective/3D tools.
- Autodesk Sketchbook – Intuitive drawing app with predictive stroke tech.
- ArtRage – Realistic painting effects like thick oils and watercolors.
- Corel Painter – Replicates natural media with particles and thick paint.
Many offer free trials so you can test which fits your style best.
Drawing Gloves and Styluses
- Drawing gloves help your hand glide smoothly across the screen.
- Styluses optimized for capacitive touch screens provide control and accuracy.
Laptop bags
Protect your investment on the go with a well-padded laptop bag or sleeve. Prioritize comfort, storage for accessories, and an ergonomic design.
By complementing your best drawing laptops with tailored accessories, you can truly customize an ideal mobile studio to elevate your artistic gifts. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect setup.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to confidently shop for a laptop that will take your artistic abilities to new heights. Here’s to mastering your digital craft!
Best Drawing Laptops: Frequently Asked Questions.
Which laptop is best for art?
For digital art, the Apple MacBook Air is hard to beat with its stunning 13.3-inch Retina display offering excellent color accuracy, paired with high performance from the Apple M2 chip. The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo 14 enables dual-screen workflows. Premium build quality and graphics power of the Dell XPS 17 appeal to artists.
What type of laptop do graphic designers use?
Graphic designers need capable specs and a high-quality display. Top choices include the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch which offers exceptional visuals and Apple M1 Pro/Max performance. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio provides a versatile hinged convertible design. The Dell XPS 15 strikes a good balance between power and portability.
Which laptop is best for graphic design with pen?
For graphic design using a digital pen, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and HP Spectre x360 stand out as high-performing 2-in-1 models with integrated stylus support. The Wacom MobileStudio Pro 13 offers the ultimate pen experience for professionals. The Lenovo Yoga 7i provides a large 16-inch canvas and bundled active pen.
What’s better for digital art – a laptop or a tablet?
Both have pros and cons. Tablets provide pure pen-on-glass drawing but lack computing power and full creative app support. Laptops offer robust performance for demanding workflows but may not have the most natural stylus experience. 2-in-1 laptops aim to provide the best of both worlds.
What computer do most artists use?
Mac and Windows PCs are likely the most common choices for artists, with more specific models used depending on the individual artist’s needs and preferences. But a variety of devices may be suitable depending on the type of work the artist creates.
Which device is best for drawing?
The best device for you depends on your needs and preferences in terms of drawing capabilities, ergonomics, portability, software compatibility, and budget. Many artists use a combination of devices. But graphics tablets, 2-in-1s, and dedicated drawing tablets are leading choices for drawing digitally.
Is 8GB RAM enough for digital art?
8GB RAM is enough for lighter digital art but may struggle with more complex projects. Artists working with 3D, video, or other memory-intensive programs will likely want 16GB+ RAM especially when using Windows/Chrome OS. But SSD storage, efficient OS usage, and the type of work can allow 8GB RAM to still be sufficient for many.
Is a 4K display necessary for digital drawing?
While not absolutely mandatory, a 4K display does provide advantages for detail-oriented creative work. The higher resolution enables sharper details and accuracy. But a good Full HD 1080p display can still deliver great results on a budget.
How important is display size for artists?
A larger display enables working with more open windows and provides more room for tool palettes while drawing. But anything over 13 inches still suffices in most cases. Ultraportable 11-12 inch laptops can feel cramped over extended use. So strike a balance between portability and workspace based on your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best drawing laptops tailored to your creative requirements can elevate your digital drawing experience. This roundup summarizes the standout options in 2023 – from premium professional-grade laptops to affordable sketching slates. Key aspects like display quality, performance and stylus capabilities determine a suitable digital art laptop. Do share your experiences if you are using any of these devices for drawing and help other artists make informed purchase decisions!
